A regional affairs expert believes that stabilizing border security provides the necessary foundation for increasing the volume of trade, creating jobs in border regions, and strengthening social ties between Iran and Iraq.
Mizan News Agency – Speaking to Mizan about the importance of Baghdad and Erbil fully implementing the Iran-Iraq Security Agreement, Navid Kamali, a regional affairs expert, stated: “For years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has sought to neutralize the threats originating from Iraq’s territory through joint memorandums and agreements with the country.”
He explained: “These threats have existed both in the Iraqi Kurdistan region and in other border areas. Over various periods, these efforts have been largely successful, enabling us to reduce the level of threats posed by terrorist groups operating on Iraqi soil and secure our national interests and security.”
Kamali continued: “However, it must be noted that Iraq is not a unified country with considerable national power; rather, it is composed of numerous groups and parties, each engaged in a power struggle based on current circumstances. Therefore, we cannot expect the Iraqi government to adhere to agreements completely and cohesively, especially when some of the threats against Iran are backed by the United States, and the Iraqi government’s hands are tied against the US.”
The regional affairs expert pointed out that the Americans are also the decision-makers in certain matters, such as determining the framework for paying the salaries of the Iraqi armed forces. He stressed: “Therefore, expecting the Iraqi government to fully implement its commitments is not entirely realistic.”
He elaborated: “Of course, this does not mean overlooking the Iraqi side’s commitments. We must continue to pursue the implementation of these obligations vigorously and compel them to move forward with the disarmament of terrorist groups. At the same time, though, we must anticipate mechanisms to solidify our own presence and influence within Iraq.”
He noted: “Iran’s success in containing terrorism in Iraq is largely thanks to the role played by the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi).”
Kamali concluded: “In addition to the security dimension, Iran must expand its economic, cultural, and social ties with Iraq so that Iraqi society, not just the Iraqi government, becomes reliant on engagement with Iran.”
The security agreement between Iran and Iraq was signed in March 2023. As experts suggest, one of its positive impacts is the potential to realize goals such as establishing and expanding border markets, boosting local businesses for people in border areas, and, of course, significantly increasing trade between Iran and Iraq once the agreement is fully implemented.
